Chicago Bears sign or pass: Daryl Williams

Should the Chicago Bears sign Daryl Williams in free agency or let another team take that risk?

The Chicago Bears need offensive line help. However, they may not be able to go breaking the bank, especially when their most significant need is at right guard. A secondary type of free agent who could be of value is Dary Williams. What is the case for and against signing the offensive lineman who has spent his first five years with the Carolina Panthers?

Sign

With just five years in the NFL, Williams is only 28 years old. There is still juice to be squeezed from him. However, he will not come at the price of a typical veteran in the prime of his career.

Williams has played tackle for the majority of his career, but put in five games at right guard this past season, and has played right guard in three of his five seasons.

His versatility is something the Bears should covet. He has logged 100 snaps at every offensive line position in the NFL besides center. Williams can be a place holder that does not force the Bears to overspend or reach for a starting option.

Pass

The reason a versatile potential starter at age 28 is available is that injuries are attached to his name. In 2018, he tore his MCL and dislocated his knee cap. Miraculously, Williams played through it. However, that is when Williams went from a relied on starter to a trusted swing backup.

Williams tested free agency in 2019 but did not see any offers and came back to Carolina as a versatile backup. Williams did not get his full step back, but did show progression in 2019 from 2018, despite having to move around so much.

Still, while he is now two years removed, his past two years look like a player on the downside more than potentially being a trusted starter. The Bears can bring him in for a minimum salary contract, but if a team truly views him as a starter, the Bears may not want to take that gamble.